Bill > S499

This bill introduces an automatic continuing resolution mechanism to prevent government shutdowns by establishing a default funding process when Congress fails to pass regular appropriations bills. Under the proposed law, if a new appropriation act is not enacted by the start of a fiscal year, federal programs would automatically receive funding at 94% of their previous year's budget level. The funding rate would gradually decrease by 1 percentage point every 90 days to incentivize timely budget negotiations. Entitlement and mandatory spending programs would maintain their current funding levels. Agency heads would be required to apportion funds proportionally to previous year allocations, and the funding would be subject to the same terms and conditions as the prior year's appropriations. The bill aims to ensure government operations continue smoothly during budget impasses and discourage intentional government shutdowns by providing a predictable, phased funding mechanism. This automatic continuing resolution would apply until a regular appropriation bill or a new continuing resolution is passed, helping to maintain government services and stability during potential congressional budget disputes.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/499/all-info